Chapter 417: Sunlight After Winter (1/2)

Ma almost had tears in his eyes when he saw that Arthur was here. When he rushed forward, the manager slipped on the wet bathroom floor, and all the paperwork was thrown into the air.

”No!” Ma shouted as his body was thrown into the air. Then, as he was about to hit the ground, everything froze midair. ”What...?”

”How about you take it easy, Manager Ma?” Arthur walked over, and the papers gathered as the manager floated into a standing position. ”Are these of great importance?”

”Ah, yes, yes,” Ma bobbed his head as he coughed embarrassingly.

”Important enough for you to interrupt my bath?”

Arthur raised a brow, and it seemed his question gave the manager some clarity. Then, as if he was suddenly aware of how rude his actions were, he hurried to grab the paperwork and leave while apologizing constantly.

Arthur sighed as the door closed, and he didn't feel like resuming his leisure. So, instead, he wore some clothes he found in one of the cabins before walking out toward the hall.

He found Ma and a few others there: Big Bear, Dia, and a man that Arthur didn't know. Their eyes turned toward him in unison as Arthur sat behind the desk.

”You can come forth now,” Arthur smiled at Ma, who hurried to give him countless papers that needed his signature and approval. He had yet to receive a seal from the king, so he needed to make all transactions under his name.

The paperwork included proposals to buy materials that they found in Aquamia, which would be essential to building a dock in their city. Arthur skimmed through them and made sure that there were no signs of scamming.

”I'll approve of these for now, but I'll check the prices myself afterward. I want receipts as well. Is that clear?” Arthur began signing as he gave his orders, and Ma saluted before taking a step back.

”Big Bear?” Arthur turned to him with confusion. ”What brings you here?”

”Sir, there's a knighthood school in the city. From there, we can bring in promising recruits who are willing to serve under you. No law dictates who they serve, at the expenses are paid by the kingdom.”

”And what do you need me for?”

”I believe that you have a keener eye for people,” Big Bear glanced at the outsider who was sitting quietly on the side. Arthur understood his hidden meaning and nodded.

”Very well, wait for me after this,” Arthur would love to hire some promising youth, as his city needed the potential to grow stronger. Big Bear also saluted, and Arthur's eyes met those of the princess.

There was a silent agreement between them to leave their conversation for last, so Arthur turned toward the man. Ma came forward to introduce them.

”Sir, this good man is a shipbuilder that I chanced upon in the harbor. It seems he heard of your plans to build a dock, and he said that he has a proposal to you.”

”Oh?” Arthur was surprised, as his arrival wasn't something exactly public. There were rumors, but nothing specific. He turned toward the man, who looked in his fifties, as the latter stood up to bow to him.

These gestures of excessive respect still gave an alienating feeling, and he would love nothing more than simply abolishing all such things. However, his followers and strangers refused to do so, as it was embedded deep in their culture.

”Greetings, great Seika,” the man said with a hoarse voice. ”I have seen you once before in Hidden Gems Auction back in the City of Contracts, so I knew of your plan to build a city. Ever since then, I counted the days until his majesty's approval.”

”I understand that you placed great expectations for my city,” Arthur nodded politely. ”But what's your proposal?”

”I want to be your shipbuilder, and I promise to build you a dock in three days. In return, I want a tax imposed on all goods transferred by my ships and dock.”

”You can leave now,” Arthur smiled as he gestured toward the door. ”I would have considered it if you asked for golds or artifacts, but for you to impose a tax, then it means you want to rob us in broad daylight.”

”It is nothing but a testimony of how much I believe in you,” the man grinned. ”My tax won't be too excessive: 10%.”

”Haha,” Arthur laughed as he stood up. ”I believe that you have another piece of news for me, right? Tell me, shipbuilder. What happens if I refuse your offer?”